EverSmoke offers Boehner e-cigarettes

A Florida-based seller of electronic cigarettes has offered House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) a starter kit for its product, which the company says is aimed at giving him a healthier alternative to regular cigarettes.

"We appreciate all that Boehner does for our country and the economy and we would like for him to enjoy the satisfying feeling of smoking without the harmful side effects of tobacco,"Eversmoke said Tuesday. "We understand how much pressure is involved in politics, especially being the House Speaker, and it's important to remain healthy in every way possible."

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The company noted that both of Boehner's parents had been heavy smokers, and that news accounts indicate Boehmer smokes up to two packs a day. But the company also noted reports indicating that Boehner is unlikely to give up his tobacco.

Boehner has been quoted as saying that tobacco is a "legal product" and, "I choose to smoke it. Leave me alone."

The company bills its product as one that has "no harmful chemicals," and that it emits "just pure vapor" — "no tar, no ash, no smell and you can even smoke anywhere."

But even if he wanted to try the e-cigarette, current House rules on gifts appear to require Boehner to turn down the offer. According to the House Ethics Committee, members can accept almost any gift from any source that is valued at less than $50, and a limit on these gifts of $100 per year per source.

EverSmoke is offering its basic electronic cigarette starter kit for $59.99 on its website, just above that $50 limit.

When asked whether there had been any response to the offer, Boehner's office said, "no."